Most patriotic family in Bourne in 1916

This newspaper was calling the Pattison family of Bourne “the most patriotic” in that district in 1916.

Mr and Mrs R N Pattison, of Eastgate, had six of their sons in the Army, three of them serving in France. In addition, another son had twice offered himself, but been rejected.

The report stated: “This is a record of which they may be justly proud. Undoubtedly the sons have inherited the military instincts of the father, for over half a century ago Mr Pattison senior joined the Army, and has served in the four quarters of the globe.”

Their names (from left) were Richard Newton Pattison, of the Royal Flying Corps; Mr Pattison, a tailor in Eastgate for 40 years, and his wife; L-Corpl Ralph Pattison, Lincs Regiment; Farrier-Sgt Stephen Pattison; Frank Pattison, who had joined the Colonial Force in Australia; Bugler Harry Pattison, of the 3/4 Lincs Regiment; Charlie Pattison, of the Northants Field Artillery. All the Pattison men were musicians.